ST. VICENT AND THE GRENADINES

WELCOME TO ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

The archipelago nation of 32 islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has an island for everybody. With SCUBA diving opportunities, sugar-white sandy beaches, mountains to climb, tropical forests to explore, there’s no shortage of opportunity. Part of the British Commonwealth, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is relatively easy to get to, has bustling towns, as also has a party or festival livening up the local communities. Whether you plan to spend your vacation completely immersing yourself in a new culture, or relaxing and hiding away from the rest of the world, St. Vincent and the Grenadines will have exactly what you’re looking for.

Attractions

Getting There

For those who would like to spend their vacation in one place, there are several airlines that offer relatively easy access to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Chances are, you will have to take a connecting flight. However, American Airlines offers some of the most flight options to this stunning archipelago, or at least a connecting flight with a local partner airline, like LIAT.

If you’d rather spend your vacation letting someone else handle the traveling, then why not board a cruise to St. Vincent and the Grenadines? While there are a limited selection of cruises to St. Vincent, you are sure to enjoy the leisurely way of life as you dock at this stunning island chain.

Getting Around

For those who like to move like the locals, there is a public bus system that will take you around the cities and along the major hotspots. If you’d rather move about on your own time, you can instead hail a taxi or hire a driver.

For those who aren’t afraid of driving on the “wrong” side of the road, you can rent a car. By renting a car, easily get to some of the more remote areas of the island, but because it is a British Commonwealth nation, be prepared to drive on the left side of the road.

Wildlife/Nature

While the islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are relatively small, the island cannot host some of the larger animal life that some other Caribbean islands may host. However, you’re likely to see some tropical reptiles, like iguanas and lizards.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a birders delight. With more than 150 species of birds found on the islands of the archipelago, chances are you will see a new bird everywhere you turn. Keep your eye on the sky and your camera ready, because who knows what you might see.

When you take to the waters around the islands, you’ll be delighted in the rich biodiversity in the waters. With tropical fish, various turtles, and dolphins and whales, there is always some friendly creature playing in the waves or darting underneath the boats.

National Heroes/Museums

Joseph Chatoyer – (Unknown – 1795) this local Carib chief is known for leading a revolt against the British Empire at the start of British occupation. This act, while it ultimately failed, worked to show the natives of St. Vincent that they still had power and a voice. This revolt also inspired other native populations, under various European regimes, to stand up against the colonizers.

Bequia Maritime Museum – Being an archipelago nation, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a long, proud history of boat building and sailing. So, it’s no surprise that one of the most popular museums is the Maritime Museum. You can learn all about the maritime history of the islands, the rise and fall of the whaling industry, and learn about various boat building techniques used throughout history.

Eco-Tourism

The biggest eco-tourism draw to St. Vincent and the Grenadines revolves around the marine life and wilderness. With some truly amazing aquatic species, ranging from tropical fish to turtles to dolphins to whales, you are sure to see some unique animals as you snorkel and dive among the reefs. For those feeling truly adventurous, head out to some of the local shipwrecks that met their watery fate thanks to the powerful reefs. No matter where your marine adventures take you, be sure to wear reef-safe sunscreen!

For those who would rather stay on dry land, St. Vincent and the Grenadines have several mountains and large hills. Those looking to stretch their legs can push themselves and hike up the various mountains and look-outs for a stunning view of the islands of this beautiful nation. Some popular hikes are up Soufrière and into the crater, to the waterfalls of Baleine, and throughout Wallaibou Heritage Park.

Donate

Life on the islands can be difficult, with cost of living being higher than many other countries. Luckily enough, there are organizations like Food for the Poor that work to make sure that everyone has food, personal hygiene items, medical supplies, and that students have school supplies. You can donate to help them make the lives of local Vincentians easier.

Another charity group that works hard to insure everybody has a bright future is The Mustique Charitable Trusts. This conglomeration works to provide children and young adults with educational opportunities to further their futures. The MCT also works to adapt the local communities to become more sustainable in this uncertain world of climate change.

The National Flag: The tricolor flag is blue on the left third, yellow in the slightly larger middle third, and green on the right third. There are also three green diamonds in the middle, in a V-formation. The blue symbolizes the sky, the yellow the sun, and the green the vegetation. The three diamonds represent the islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.